Pesaro’s Biosphere Continues Operation under Exclusive contract
The Municipality of Pesaro has awarded a new contract to Artifact Srl for the maintenance, management, and development of the digital content of the Biosphere, an iconic installation in Piazza del Popolo.The agreement, valued at approximately 172,020 euros and extending until 2027, has raised questions due to its direct assignment without a public tender.
The decision stems from Artifact’s claim of exclusive rights to the entire Biosphere system, encompassing its software, architecture, and components. According to the Municipality’s official determination, Artifact holds industrial, intellectual, and commercial rights, reportedly secured through a confidentiality agreement with the European manufacturer and distributor of the system’s components.this exclusivity reportedly grants Artifact complete control over component access, maintenance, assistance, and replacement.
The contract, detailed in managerial determination number 1770 of July 11, 2025, covers urgent technical interventions, such as component replacements and software updates, followed by ordinary management for the subsequent two years.The net value of the contract is 141,000 euros plus VAT. Funding for 2025, totaling around 67,100 euros, is partially covered by state funds and municipal resources, while the remaining amounts for 2026 and 2027, approximately 52,460 euros each, will be paid entirely from the municipal budget.
Artifact was previously awarded the initial construction of the Biosphere in 2023, with a bid that included a 3.10 percent discount on a base auction of 650,000 euros. The Municipality cites the unique technical specifications and exclusive rights held by Artifact as reasons why entrusting the service to another company or re-tendering the contract would be impractical.
The Biosphere, a key element of the CTE Square project financed by FSC 2014-2020 funds, was initially intended for a cycle ending in January 2025. However, this new contract ensures its continued operation through at least the end of 2027.
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